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Revenko A, Carnevalli LS, Sinclair C, Johnson B, Peter A, Taylor M, Hettrick L, Chapman M, Klein S, Solanki A, Gattis D, Watt A, Hughes AM, Magiera L, Kar G, Ireland L, Mele DA, Sah V, Singh M, Walton J, Mairesse M, King M, Edbrooke M, Lyne P, Barry ST, Fawell S, Goldberg FW, MacLeod AR. Direct targeting of FOXP3 in Tregs with AZD8701, a novel antisense oligonucleotide to relieve immunosuppression in cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003892. [PMID: 35387780 PMCID: PMC8987763 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Regulatory T cell (Treg) lineage is defined by the transcription factor FOXP3, which controls immune-suppressive gene expression profiles. Tregs are often recruited in high frequencies to the tumor microenvironment where they can suppress antitumor immunity. We hypothesized that pharmacological inhibition of FOXP3 by systemically delivered, unformulated constrained ethyl-modified antisense oligonucleotides could modulate the activity of Tregs and augment antitumor immunity providing therapeutic benefit in cancer models and potentially in man. METHODS We have identified murine Foxp3 antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and clinical candidate human FOXP3 ASO AZD8701. Pharmacology and biological effects of FOXP3 inhibitors on Treg function and antitumor immunity were tested in cultured Tregs and mouse syngeneic tumor models. Experiments were controlled by vehicle and non-targeting control ASO groups as well as by use of multiple independent FOXP3 ASOs. Statistical significance of biological effects was evaluated by one or two-way analysis of variance with multiple comparisons. RESULTS AZD8701 demonstrated a dose-dependent knockdown of FOXP3 in primary Tregs, reduction of suppressive function and efficient target downregulation in humanized mice at clinically relevant doses. Surrogate murine FOXP3 ASO, which efficiently downregulated Foxp3 messenger RNA and protein levels in primary Tregs, reduced Treg suppressive function in immune suppression assays in vitro. FOXP3 ASO promoted more than 70% reduction in FOXP3 levels in Tregs in vitro and in vivo, strongly modulated Treg effector molecules (eg, ICOS, CTLA-4, CD25 and 4-1BB), and augmented CD8+ T cell activation and produced antitumor activity in syngeneic tumor models. The combination of FOXP3 ASOs with immune checkpoint blockade further enhanced antitumor efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Antisense inhibitors of FOXP3 offer a promising novel cancer immunotherapy approach. AZD8701 is being developed clinically as a first-in-class FOXP3 inhibitor for the treatment of cancer currently in Ph1a/b clinical trial (NCT04504669).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ben Johnson
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Melissa Chapman
- Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Watt
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | | | - Gozde Kar
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Vasu Sah
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Lyne
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
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Raguraman P, Balachandran AA, Chen S, Diermeier SD, Veedu RN. Antisense Oligonucleotide-Mediated Splice Switching: Potential Therapeutic Approach for Cancer Mitigation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5555. [PMID: 34771719 PMCID: PMC8583451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Splicing is an essential process wherein precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) is reshaped into mature mRNA. In alternative splicing, exons of any pre-mRNA get rearranged to form mRNA variants and subsequently protein isoforms, which are distinct both by structure and function. On the other hand, aberrant splicing is the cause of many disorders, including cancer. In the past few decades, developments in the understanding of the underlying biological basis for cancer progression and therapeutic resistance have identified many oncogenes as well as carcinogenic splice variants of essential genes. These transcripts are involved in various cellular processes, such as apoptosis, cell signaling and proliferation. Strategies to inhibit these carcinogenic isoforms at the mRNA level are promising. Antisense oligonucleotides (AOs) have been developed to inhibit the production of alternatively spliced carcinogenic isoforms through splice modulation or mRNA degradation. AOs can also be used to induce splice switching, where the expression of an oncogenic protein can be inhibited by the induction of a premature stop codon. In general, AOs are modified chemically to increase their stability and binding affinity. One of the major concerns with AOs is efficient delivery. Strategies for the delivery of AOs are constantly being evolved to facilitate the entry of AOs into cells. In this review, the different chemical modifications employed and delivery strategies applied are discussed. In addition to that various AOs in clinical trials and their efficacy are discussed herein with a focus on six distinct studies that use AO-mediated exon skipping as a therapeutic strategy to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithi Raguraman
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (P.R.); (A.A.B.); (S.C.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Akilandeswari Ashwini Balachandran
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (P.R.); (A.A.B.); (S.C.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Suxiang Chen
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (P.R.); (A.A.B.); (S.C.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Sarah D. Diermeier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand;
| | - Rakesh N. Veedu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (P.R.); (A.A.B.); (S.C.)
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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Pandey M, Ojha D, Bansal S, Rode AB, Chawla G. From bench side to clinic: Potential and challenges of RNA vaccines and therapeutics in infectious diseases. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 81:101003. [PMID: 34332771 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The functional and structural versatility of Ribonucleic acids (RNAs) makes them ideal candidates for overcoming the limitations imposed by small molecule-based drugs. Hence, RNA-based biopharmaceuticals such as messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNA mimics, anti-miRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs), aptamers, riboswitches, and CRISPR-Cas9 are emerging as vital tools for the treatment and prophylaxis of many infectious diseases. Some of the major challenges to overcome in the area of RNA-based therapeutics have been the instability of single-stranded RNAs, delivery to the diseased cell, and immunogenicity. However, recent advancements in the delivery systems of in vitro transcribed mRNA and chemical modifications for protection against nucleases and reducing the toxicity of RNA have facilitated the entry of several exogenous RNAs into clinical trials. In this review, we provide an overview of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, their production, delivery, current advancements, and future translational potential in treating infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Pandey
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Divya Ojha
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Sakshi Bansal
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India
| | - Ambadas B Rode
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India.
| | - Geetanjali Chawla
- RNA Biology Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, 121001, India.
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Antisense technology: an overview and prospectus. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:427-453. [PMID: 33762737 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00162-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antisense technology is now beginning to deliver on its promise to treat diseases by targeting RNA. Nine single-stranded antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs representing four chemical classes, two mechanisms of action and four routes of administration have been approved for commercial use, including the first RNA-targeted drug to be a major commercial success, nusinersen. Although all the approved drugs are for use in patients with rare diseases, many of the ASOs in late- and middle-stage clinical development are intended to treat patients with very common diseases. ASOs in development are showing substantial improvements in potency and performance based on advances in medicinal chemistry, understanding of molecular mechanisms and targeted delivery. Moreover, the ASOs in development include additional mechanisms of action and routes of administration such as aerosol and oral formulations. Here, we describe the key technological advances that have enabled this progress and discuss recent clinical trials that illustrate the impact of these advances on the performance of ASOs in a wide range of therapeutic applications. We also consider strategic issues such as target selection and provide perspectives on the future of the field.
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Zaslavsky A, Adams M, Cao X, Yamaguchi A, Henderson J, Busch-Østergren P, Udager A, Pitchiaya S, Tourdot B, Kasputis T, Church SJ, Lee SK, Ohl S, Patel S, Morgan TM, Alva A, Wakefield TW, Reichert Z, Holinstat M, Palapattu GS. Antisense oligonucleotides and nucleic acids generate hypersensitive platelets. Thromb Res 2021; 200:64-71. [PMID: 33540294 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the great promise for therapies using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), their adverse effects, which include pro-inflammatory effects and thrombocytopenia, have limited their use. Previously, these effects have been linked to the phosphorothioate (PS) backbone necessary to prevent rapid ASO degradation in plasma. The main aim of this study was to assess the impact of the nucleic acid portion of an ASO-type drug on platelets and determine if it may contribute to thrombosis or thrombocytopenia. METHODS Platelets were isolated from healthy donors and men with advanced prostate cancer. Effects of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), oligonucleotides, gDNA, and microRNA on platelet activation and aggregation were evaluated. A mouse model of lung thrombosis was used to confirm the effects of PS-modified oligonucleotides in vivo. RESULTS Platelet exposure to gDNA, miRNA, and oligonucleotides longer than 16-mer at a concentration above 8 mM resulted in the formation of hypersensitive platelets, characterized by an increased sensitivity to low-dose thrombin (0.1 nM) and increase in p-Selectin expression (6-8 fold greater than control; p < 0.001). The observed nucleic acid (NA) effects on platelets were toll-like receptor (TLR) -7 subfamily dependent. Injection of a p-Selectin inhibitor significantly (p = 0.02) reduced the formation of oligonucleotide-associated pulmonary microthrombosis in vivo. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that platelet exposure to nucleic acids independent of the presence of a PS modification leads to a generation of hypersensitive platelets and requires TLR-7 subfamily receptors. ASO studies conducted in cancer patients may benefit from testing the ASO effects on platelets ex vivo before initiation of patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Zaslavsky
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Mackenzie Adams
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiu Cao
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Adriana Yamaguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James Henderson
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Aaron Udager
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sethuramasundaram Pitchiaya
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin Tourdot
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tadas Kasputis
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samuel J Church
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha K Lee
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sydney Ohl
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shivam Patel
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Todd M Morgan
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ajjai Alva
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas W Wakefield
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Conrad Jobst Vascular Research Laboratories, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zachery Reichert
- Department of Internal Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael Holinstat
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ganesh S Palapattu
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Crooke ST, Liang XH, Baker BF, Crooke RM. Antisense technology: A review. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100416. [PMID: 33600796 PMCID: PMC8005817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antisense technology is beginning to deliver on the broad promise of the technology. Ten RNA-targeted drugs including eight single-strand antisense drugs (ASOs) and two double-strand ASOs (siRNAs) have now been approved for commercial use, and the ASOs in phase 2/3 trials are innovative, delivered by multiple routes of administration and focused on both rare and common diseases. In fact, two ASOs are used in cardiovascular outcome studies and several others in very large trials. Interest in the technology continues to grow, and the field has been subject to a significant number of reviews. In this review, we focus on the molecular events that result in the effects observed and use recent clinical results involving several different ASOs to exemplify specific molecular mechanisms and specific issues. We conclude with the prospective on the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley T Crooke
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Carlsbad, California, USA.
| | - Xue-Hai Liang
- Core Antisense Research, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Brenda F Baker
- Development Communication, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Rosanne M Crooke
- Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Carlsbad, California, USA
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Crooke ST, Seth PP, Vickers TA, Liang XH. The Interaction of Phosphorothioate-Containing RNA Targeted Drugs with Proteins Is a Critical Determinant of the Therapeutic Effects of These Agents. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:14754-14771. [PMID: 32786803 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c04928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in understanding phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotide (PS-ASO) interactions with proteins has revealed that proteins play deterministic roles in the absorption, distribution, cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, molecular mechanisms of action, and toxicity of PS-ASOs. Similarly, such interactions can alter the fates of many intracellular proteins. These and other advances have opened new avenues for the medicinal chemistry of PS-ASOs and research on all elements of the molecular pharmacology of these molecules. These advances have recently been reviewed. In this Perspective article, we summarize some of those learnings, the general principles that have emerged, and a few of the exciting new questions that can now be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley T Crooke
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California 92010-6670, United States
| | - Punit P Seth
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California 92010-6670, United States
| | - Timothy A Vickers
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California 92010-6670, United States
| | - Xue-Hai Liang
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Carlsbad, California 92010-6670, United States
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8
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Antisense drug discovery and development technology considered in a pharmacological context. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 189:114196. [PMID: 32800852 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
When coined, the term "antisense" included oligonucleotides of any structure, with any chemical modification and designed to work through any post-RNA hybridization mechanism. However, in practice the term "antisense" has been used to describe single stranded oligonucleotides (ss ASOs) designed to hybridize to RNAswhile the term "siRNA" has come to mean double stranded oligonucleotides designed to activate Ago2. However, the two approaches share many common features. The medicinal chemistry developed for ASOs greatly facilitated the development of siRNA technology and remains the chemical basis for both approaches. Many of challenges faced and solutions achieved share many common features. In fact, because ss ASOs can be designed to activate Ago2, the two approaches intersect at this remarkably important protein. There are also meaningful differences. The pharmacokinetic properties are quite different and thus potential routes of delivery differ. ASOs may be designedto use a variety of post-RNA binding mechanismswhile siRNAs depend solely on the robust activity of Ago2. However, siRNAs and ASOs are both used for therapeutic purposes and both must be and can be understood in a pharmacological context. Thus, the goals of this review are to put ASOs in pharmacological context and compare their behavior as pharmacological agents to the those of siRNAs.
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Yoshida S, Duong C, Oestergaard M, Fazio M, Chen C, Peralta R, Guo S, Seth PP, Li Y, Beckett L, Nitin N, Satake N. MXD3 antisense oligonucleotide with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: A new targeted approach for neuroblastoma. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 24:102127. [PMID: 31783139 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.102127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The outcomes for aggressive forms of NB remain poor. The aim of this study was to develop a new molecular-targeted therapy for NB using an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles (NPs), as a delivery vehicle, targeting the transcription regulator MAX dimerization protein 3 (MXD3). We previously discovered that MXD3 was highly expressed in high-risk NB, acting as an anti-apoptotic factor; therefore, it can be a good therapeutic target. In this study, we developed two ASO-NP complexes using electrostatic conjugation to polyethylenimine-coated SPIO NPs and chemical conjugation to amphiphilic polymers on amine-functionalized SPIO NPs. Both ASO-NP complexes demonstrated MXD3 knockdown, which resulted in apoptosis in NB cells. ASO chemically-conjugated NP complexes have the potential to be used in the clinic as they showed great efficacy with minimum NP-associated cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakiko Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University, Japan
| | - Connie Duong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Cathy Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yueju Li
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Laurel Beckett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nitin Nitin
- Departments of Food Science & Technology and Biological & Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Noriko Satake
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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Coutinho MF, Matos L, Santos JI, Alves S. RNA Therapeutics: How Far Have We Gone? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1157:133-177. [PMID: 31342441 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-19966-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the RNA molecule became one of the most promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Currently, a large number of RNA-based therapeutics are being investigated both at the basic research level and in late-stage clinical trials. Some of them are even already approved for treatment. RNA-based approaches can act at pre-mRNA level (by splicing modulation/correction using antisense oligonucleotides or U1snRNA vectors), at mRNA level (inhibiting gene expression by siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides) or at DNA level (by editing mutated sequences through the use of CRISPR/Cas). Other RNA approaches include the delivery of in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA or the use of oligonucleotides aptamers. Here we review these approaches and their translation into clinics trying to give a brief overview also on the difficulties to its application as well as the research that is being done to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francisca Coutinho
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Matos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana Inês Santos
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.
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Flanagan JJ, Neklesa TK. Targeting Nuclear Receptors with PROTAC degraders. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 493:110452. [PMID: 31125586 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors comprise a class of intracellular transcription factors whose major role is to act as sensors of various stimuli and to convert the external signal into a transcriptional output. Nuclear receptors (NRs) achieve this by possessing a ligand binding domain, which can bind cell permeable agonists, a DNA-binding domain, which binds the upstream sequences of target genes, and a regulatory domain that recruits the transcriptional machinery. The ligand binding alters the activation state of the NR, either by activating or inactivating its transcriptional output. Given the central role of NRs in signal transduction, many currently approved therapeutics modulate the activity of NRs. Here we discuss how PROTAC degraders afford a novel approach to abrogate the downstream signaling activity of NRs. We highlight six broad functional reasons why PROTAC degraders are preferable to the classical ligand binding pocket antagonists, with specific examples provided for each category. Lastly, as Androgen Receptor and Estrogen Receptor PROTAC degraders are being pursued as treatment for prostate cancer and breast cancer, respectively, a rationale is provided for the translational utility for the degradation of these two NRs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taavi K Neklesa
- Halda Therapeutics, 23 Business Park, Branford, CT, 06405, USA.
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Abstract
RNA-targeted therapies represent a platform for drug discovery involving chemically modified oligonucleotides, a wide range of cellular RNAs, and a novel target-binding motif, Watson-Crick base pairing. Numerous hurdles considered by many to be impassable have been overcome. Today, four RNA-targeted therapies are approved for commercial use for indications as diverse as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and by routes of administration including subcutaneous, intravitreal, and intrathecal delivery. The technology is efficient and supports approaching "undruggable" targets. Three additional agents are progressing through registration, and more are in clinical development, representing several chemical and structural classes. Moreover, progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which these drugs work has led to steadily better clinical performance and a wide range of mechanisms that may be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Here we summarize the progress, future challenges, and opportunities for this drug discovery platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley T Crooke
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA.
| | - Joseph L Witztum
- University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - C Frank Bennett
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Brenda F Baker
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2855 Gazelle Court, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
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